On 29 December 2005 I posted a story on how Mac OS X software updates are disabling the lower RAM slot on some PowerBook G4 models (15-inch 1.67/1.5GHz). There are many comments from people that have experienced the problem and Apple is finally addressing it.
Apple has started a PowerBook G4 Memory Slot Repair Extension Program and has posted a detailed FAQ about it.
PowerBook G4s manufactured between January 2005 and April 2005 (serial numbers W8503xxxxxx through W8518xxxxxx) are covered and Apple will replace the RAM slot and extend the warranty on the repairs for two years.

The PowerBook G4 (15-inch 1.67/1.5GHz) Memory Slot Repair Extension Program is a worldwide program covering repair or replacement of the memory slot in PowerBook G4 models manufactured between January 2005 and April 2005 (2005-01 through 2005-04) that are experiencing specific component failures. If your PowerBook G4 has a serial number within the eligible range and is experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, it may be eligible for repair, free of charge. Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) will determine eligibility under the program. Repairs will be covered by Apple for up to two years from the original date of purchase even if your computer is out of warranty.

One of the most exciting developments in the announcement of the Intel Core Duo iMac (and it’s subsequent dissection) is that the CPU is socketed. This means that it isn’t soldered to the logic board like most Macintosh CPUs have been for years and can be upgraded.
In an article in the Japanese magazine MacFan a reader claims to have upgraded the processor in a 17-inch Intel iMac from 1.83GHz to 2.0GHz without issue.
Although it’s not yet cost effective to upgrade (the 2GHz T2500 chip costs over US$700 and the 2.16GHz T2600 chip costs almost US$800) it looks promising that Mac users will finally be able to buy CPU upgrades in the future.
The real question is whether or not the MacBook Pro will also ship with a socketed CPU? Please Apple, tell us it’s true!

I’ve written a couple of posts about Apple’s new naming strategy that began with the new MacBook Pro, announced last month. After a lot of speculation about the naming of the desktop lineup it appears that Apple may have settled on “Mac Pro.”
An article at TheStreet.com indicates that Apple filed for a trademark on the phrase “Mac Pro” in New Zealand in late 2005. The November 18th 2005 filing categorizes “Mac Pro” under the following classifications:
Read the rest of the story on my ZDNet Blog: The Apple Core.